Stress Test

Summer heat waves generate an array of challenges for golf course superintendents, not the least of which is turfgrass heat stress. And this heat stress can manifest itself in a big old mess of human stress for those trying to combat it.

Dealing with and prepping turfgrass to withstand heat stress, is more on a superintendent’s radar than it used to be, says Bayer Green Solutions Team member Dr. Zac Reicher. “There is no questioning the effects of climate change on our industry,” he says. “Plants don’t have as much recovery time as they used. Shorter winters. Earlier springs. Summer lasting into fall. Because of the dryness and the heat, we’re seeing more traffic on the greens throughout the year. All of this plays into the ability to fight the stress.”

Persistent intense heat events – those lasting two or three weeks and longer--- seem more common in recent years. It’s these events superintendents and turf managers struggle with figuring out not only how to get the turf through these periods, but how to do that while at the same time keeping up with the player demands for high-quality turfgrass. It’s safe to say expectations are not dropping any with the increasing temperatures. One could argue those high expectations increase right along with the temperature.

Golf course superintendents, as a whole, are not simply relying on time-tested, proven past methods for getting turf through intense heat. Out of necessity, they’re coming up with some new ones, as well.

These new strategies stem from networking with fellow superintendents, talking with their different sales reps and also paying attention to what some of the experts in the field are saying, says Mike Goatley Jr., a professor of agronomy at Virginia Tech, who is a big proponent of preconditioning turfgrass to handle these intense heat events.

“I always say, don’t wait for the stress to arrive,” Goatley says. “Superintendents know this. They are already on programs that incorporate wetting agents, plant growth regulators, bio-stimulants, etc. If you have a track record of success, you stick with it.”

Goatley cautions turf managers against going too crazy in anticipation of higher than usual temps. “I’m one who believes that letting turf get under a little stress is okay,” he says. “Often, superintendents will want to raise heights when preparing for heat. This is understandable but keep it reasonable. If you wait until midsummer to raise heights, your root system isn’t going to be strong enough.”

Preconditioning turfgrass is a trending topic when talking about heat stress. Even in the relatively mild climate of the Pacific Northwest, Shane Riley, a regional sales rep in the Seattle area for Winfield United, has witnessed a trend toward a more proactive approach to heat stress. Heat stress in Seattle obviously a different animal than heat stress in the Midwest or South, but that isn’t to say when those western Washington temps hit the upper 80’s to low 90’s they can’t be just as trying on the Poa annua as the low to mid 100’s can be for other parts of the country.

“With drier, hotter summers the new norm, what I’m seeing now from a lot of superintendents in this part of the country is the use of biostimulants to precondition -- using them Spring to Fall,” Riley says. “More and more supers are starting early and going into the middle of October here. We just didn’t use to do that in this region.”

Riley is also witnessing other strategies at play to deal with elevated heat stress. “Humic acids. Kelp extract products. Phosphites and, of course, wetting agents. Heat has become a real issue here when it never really used to be. Superintendents are finding ways to stay on top.”

Goatley advocates the use of seaweed-based extracts and offers supplemental growth hormones as a new tactic. “We’ve found these are very effective in the preconditioning stage,” he says. “Cool-season grasses in particular don’t have the ability to produce the internal hormones we wish they could. This can be effective not only before, but during heat stress, as well.”

Organic acids are effective, as well. “Fulvic acid and humic acid, on their own or used together,” Goatley says. “We have found they have significant impacts in rooting. Drought tolerance. None of these are silver bullets, of course. But they are all effective parts of good overall preconditioning program.”

Reicher is a firm believer in the pre-conditioning of the plants well before a temperature situation ever occurs. The main focus of that preconditioning is maximizing photosynthesis.

“Basically, anything we can do to maximize photosynthesis anytime of the year ... That’s where it all begins,” says Reicher. His cool-season territory runs from Indiana westward to Hawaii. Maximizing photosynthesis throughout the year allows the plant to increase carbohydrate storage and maximize rooting, which in turn, enables better heat tolerance and summer survival.

“And don’t discount the photosynthetic and plant health benefits of fungicides that contain Bayer’s Stressgard Formulation Technology, which has stood up to years of research under summer stress,” he says.

More energy production in plants increases tolerances to stress, including diseases.

Reicher’s second key in the preconditioning process ties into the first -- keeping the turf free of other stresses.

To prevent turf from going into heat stress, or, if it is starting to go into heat stress, which, despite the best efforts, is sometimes going to be the case, alleviate other sources of stress. "You certainly don’t want any other stresses affecting that plant," Reicher says. "We’re talking diseases, of course, but also localized dry spots, excess traffic, cultivation, etc. We want to keep the plants as healthy as possible.”

The practice of spoon-feeding is one of the tools superintendents must have in their arsenals in the battle against heat stress, Goatley says. “This is a major change in strategy,” he says. “Back in the day, we didn’t used to think spoon-feeding was beneficial. Spoon-feeding .05 to .15 pounds of N per thousand keeps your greens active. Keeps the grass active. “

If you do find yourself caught in some major heat stress, there are common sense practices that need to be implemented. While the situation is not ideal, all is not lost.

“There are the things most superintendents know to do when they find their turf heat stressed,” Reicher said. “Reduce frequency of mowing opting for rolling instead, maybe raise the mowing height. Don’t topdress. Obviously, don’t make a herbicide application. Basically, don’t do anything that is going to add more stress. Your focus has to change somewhat. You go into survival mode keeping the plants alive.”

Goatley agrees, and stressed use of bio-stimulants and even needle tining to improve soil oxygen levels.

Reicher also points to the growing nematode problem he’s finding on his travels, even in places like Wisconsin and Nebraska, and their correlation to heat stress. The problem here is when plants go under heat stress, every other stress or problem -- like a nematode population -- is magnified.

“It’s becoming a huge issue,” Reicher says. “The problem here is, you usually don’t realize you have a problem until it’s too late. Nematode problems will often be mistaken for any number of other issues including soil pathogens or localized dry spot, and don’t respond to water or fertility.”

Once an extreme heat even has subsided, the experts advise turf managers return to precondition mode. “I think identifying the why is important,” Goatley says. “Why did we suffer this stress? And then address for the future. More than likely this means going back to the basics … The preconditioning and planning.”

Ron Furlong is a turf writer and frequent GCI contributor.

Audubon International announces results of BioBlitz 2018

2,000 unique species identified on golf courses during three-week event.

Audubon International’s BioBlitz 2018 recorded over 2,000 unique species of animals, plants, fungi, and insects living on golf courses. Thousands of enthusiastic community volunteers, ranging from school groups to birding clubs to professional naturalists, gathered at local events April 21-May 13 to discover and document the species inhabiting these important green spaces. This year’s program was sponsored by the United States Golf Association.

“It’s wonderful to see so many golf courses embracing BioBlitz as a fun and exciting way to help people spend time outdoors and learn about their local environment,” Audubon International CEO Christine Kane said.

Now in its fourth year, Audubon International’s BioBlitz creates an opportunity for school children, community members, golfers, and more to take a closer look at the habitats provided on golf courses. In addition to demonstrating the large diversity of species on golf courses, the competition also engages local interest and support of the green space and recreational opportunities they provide to their towns. Participants competed for three awards for most species counted, most participants, and best photo. BioBlitz 2018 generated an 85 percent increase in golf course participation compared to 2017.

Naples Lakes (Fla.) Country Club received the Biodiversity Award for the greatest number of species counted. The course has participated in Audubon International’s BioBlitz each year since the program’s inception in 2015. Volunteers at this year’s event spotted, identified, and listed a total of 496 species, including the federally threatened Wood Stork, and the Little Blue and Tricolored Herons, both state threatened species in Florida.

“Naples Lakes Country Club is extremely honored to win the Biodiversity Award for the 2018 BioBlitz,” said Bryan Roe, general manager at Naples Lakes Country Club. “Our residents truly look forward to participating in the annual event and coming together to enjoy the natural habitat that surrounds our community. Our course and community have experienced a remarkable recovery following the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma last September, and the amount of species that remained in the area following the storm speaks volumes to the environmentally friendly atmosphere we foster.”

The Community Engagement Award for having the most participants went to Southwinds (Fla.) Golf Course, with a total of 242 volunteers assisting with their species count and identification. “We are honored that Southwinds Golf Course is the winner of the Community Engagement Award for most participants as a part of the 2018 BioBlitz campaign,” Southwinds general manager Sharon Painter said. “Our team enjoyed creating activities to engage golfers from juniors to seniors in recognizing the rewards of environmental stewardship.” The course’s BioBlitz activities included both Ladies’ Night Out and Junior BioBlitz events, as well as BioBlitz themed drink specials during the event dates.

Bay Oaks (Texas) Country Club won the Best Photograph contest with a spectacular photo of a hummingbird. “The need for a Biodiversity count is very important to the ecology of a golf course or any area for that matter, and I was very excited to help our course’s superintendent, Kyle Brown, with the Bay Oaks count,” said Deborah Repasz, the BioBlitz volunteer who took the hummingbird photograph. “Every time I go out birding or in nature I take my camera with me. We were identifying plants when I saw a hummingbird getting nectar from a Bottlebrush. I did not have much time, so I switched on my camera, focused as best I could for the circumstances, and started photographing the hummingbird. Luckily, several of the photos turned out. I am definitely looking forward to next year’s count and more help to identify and count an even larger numbers of species.”

The peer-to-peer reading extravaganza known as “Turfheads Take Over” returns this year after a successful 2016 debut and an equally lauded 2017 remix. The premise of the issue is simple: offer readers a national forum to tell stories, share lessons, promote causes and offer guidance.

Close to 30 turfheads have contributed to the first two issues, including industry legends such as Paul R. Latshaw, Bob Farren, Ted Horton and Dean Graves. Both issues have inspired and engaged audiences, and Canadian superintendent Leasha Schwab’s 2017 article, “Sense of belonging,” represented one of the most read and discussed turf stories over the past year.

Contributing to the 2018 Turfheads Take Over issue involves writing around 750 words about any industry-related topic, personal lesson or previous experience. Submissions and applicable photos can be sent to senior editor Guy Cipriano at gcipriano@gie.net. Select articles exceeding 750 words will also be considered for publication depending on space. Email or call Cipriano at 216-393-0230 with questions or if you need further writing guidance. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Nov. 7.

“Turfheads is a place for passionate people to tell honest stories,” GCI publisher Pat Jones says. “What motivates you? What things should we change about our industry? What do you love about this community? It’s a great chance to tell your story or start a conversation about an important topic. If you need some help, just reach out to our team and we’ll give you some pointers. Mostly, don’t hesitate … just start writing!”

Robert Trent Jones II unveils plans for Vietnamese site

The coastline project of Hoiana will be home to Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects’ first Vietnamese championship golf course design: Hoiana Shores Golf Club. Located on the shores of the Eastern Sea, approximately five miles south of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An, known as “The City of Lanterns,” the golf club is part of a major destination development which harbors the ambition of becoming one of the most compelling golf experiences in Asia.

During his recent site visit to Hoiana to survey progress, Robert Trent Jones II was adamant about the potential of his newest partnership just south of one of the world's best-loved tourism destinations.

“This property is the most perfect canvas,” he said. “Alongside the beautiful coastal terrain, we have been given the ability to shape a design befitting this special region and magnificent new destination. To have a golf course in such close proximity to such a place as Hoi An makes this extra special.”

With Hoiana Shores Golf Club scheduled to open in mid-2019, the ownership group, Hoi An South Development, is confident their master plan will have a significant impact at national and international levels.

"To hear direct from Robert Trent Jones on the potential of this golf course, when you consider his glittering career and the magnitude of his collection of global projects, is testament to our ambition and the prospect of Hoiana," said Steve Wolstenholme, group COO of Hoiana.

RTJ II was selected as the golf course design firm following a comprehensive tender process. Selected from a list of world-renowned designers, it was Jones’ authenticity, artistry and experience that set the firm apart as the perfect candidate. Additionally, the personal interest and involvement of Jones himself was a pivotal point in the selection process.

“The decision to partner with RTJ II was centred around the ownership group’s desire for a distinct and authentic design, emblematic of where we are situated,” said Ben Styles, vice president golf & residential Hoiana Shores Golf Club, Vietnam. “Given the quality of the site, it required a design partner with certain qualities that would help elevate this project to the fullest of its potential. The RTJ II team is one of very few that can draw on past experience of having worked in the game’s golden era for design, many individuals within it having rubbed shoulders with legends in their field. It was clear from the outset that we would bring something very special and unique to Vietnam with this partnership.”

RTJ II has designed over 280 golf courses in 40 countries. His appreciation of Hoiana’s potential was obvious during a first site visit, as he walked the coastal holes, whose proximity to the Eastern Sea and views of the Cham Islands are a standout feature of the course.

“We always strive to finish with a crescendo in our designs to keep people coming back,” Jones said. There will be few that can rival what we have created with this closing stretch, which completes a great symphony of golf.”

The golf club also unveiled its new logo, comprised of a lantern that sits in place of the traditional flag. An ode to the famed City of Lanterns and a clear depiction of the respect felt by the developer related to its position at the cultural heart of Vietnam.

“Hoi An is a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s rich heritage,” Styles said. “The lantern is an iconic feature of the city and to bring such a unique aspect to the golf development is something we felt passionately about.”

The golf project is expected to employ in excess of 350 golf and hospitality professionals, the majority of those being sourced from Vietnam’s first ever golf operations and maintenance college on site at Hoiana. The education facility is further evidence of the ownership group’s commitment to creating new jobs and nurturing local talent, while providing a pathway for professionals to transition to Hoiana Shores Golf Club to provide the very best service and hospitality.

Trinity Forest finds solution to landfill drainage issue

Kasey Kauff, director of grounds at the new Trinity Forest course near downtown Dallas, had a problem. The course – designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and intended from its earliest conception as a venue for major golfing events – is built on an old capped landfill. It was the use of such a site that made it possible to build golf in such close proximity to a big city, and it was the waving contours of the created ground that got Coore and Crenshaw interested. But building on a landfill forces many compromises.

“The landfill is capped with clay, which was designed not to allow water to penetrate, and which we are not allowed to cut into at all,” Kauff said. “That’s why the course has no trees – the roots would penetrate the cap – or water features. The whole golf course was built with fill placed on top of the cap. The bunker bases are at grade level, and below them is the cap. This became a major problem for us: the impermeable clay cap stopped the bunkers from draining, and after any significant rains, we had waterlogged bunkers. But we couldn’t drain them in the normal way, because we are not allowed to go into the cap.”

After a visit from Ted Fist of Capillary Concrete, Kauff realized that the product offered him a solution to his issues. “Although we cannot put traditional drains under the bunkers, we are able to put flat tile on the base of the bunkers – in other words, right on top of the cap – and then lay Capillary Concrete on top of that,” Kauff said. “We can’t lower the bunker floor, so that does mean players are standing fractionally higher in the bunker than before, but that doesn't really make any difference.”

Capillary Concrete’s American team, along with Mark Creighton of Ewing Irrigation, its U.S. distributor, visited Dallas and trained Kauff’s crew how to install the product. The project has been entirely internal since the visit. “The ability to do it ourselves was what made Capillary Concrete especially attractive to me,” Kauff said. “It meant I could do it when I wanted, not on someone else’s schedule. If it rains, and we can’t install, that doesn’t matter, we do something else that day. If we had a contractor, we’d be paying for downtime.”

Thirty of the course's 80 bunkers have already had Capillary Concrete installed, and Kauff reports good results. “We had an inch-and-a-half of rain very recently,” he said. “One of the bunkers we did last year has a severely steep face, but there was no washout at all.” And, although Coore and Crenshaw are renowned for their naturalistic, low-tech approach to course design and construction, the work has got the approval of a key member of their team. “Jeff Bradley [C&C's well-known bunker building specialist] has been out here and played golf with me, and he didn’t say a thing,” Kauff said.